Exclusive Dating Restriction Zone - CH 17

“Everyone, go out to eat.”

Section Chief Lee, who had been silent for a while, spoke up. Section Chief Lee was simply looking at the monitor. All of us cautiously step away from our desks and then dash out of the office.

I’m concerned about the new recruit’s absence and Section Chief Lee’s red eyes.

Everyone remains silent until we get out into the corridor. The customer management staff members dispersed right at the entrance door. When Deputy Kang and I exit the building, we both speak up.

“Rice noodles?”

“Rice noodles.”

The weather is perfect. And yet, Section Chief Lee is alone in this beautiful weather. He is all by himself.

“Deputy Kang.”

“Yeah.”

“Should we ask Section Chief Lee to have a meal together?”

“Leave him alone. It must be complicated.”

I nod my head.

A limousine, which we had only seen in dramas, approached and blocked the road as Deputy Kang and I were walking. People pass by it like streams of water avoiding stones. I also wander around the car as though I’m trapped in a corner. The previous visitor, Department Head Seo Hee-tae, is arguing and approaching from the other side.

Let’s not get involved. Let’s not get involved…

Contrary to what I planned, I stopped in place. To be honest, I’m curious. I’m wondering why these two are so desperate. Deputy Kang took a glance towards Department Head Seo as well. Both of us try to be unconcerned, but we peek over and our gazes meet. Deputy Kang coughed.

“Aren’t you thirsty?”

“Would you like to go over to that vending machine over there?”

“Yeah, I’d like a cup of coffee.”

We slowly shuffle away from the limousine. I pretend nothing is wrong and head to the vending machine located in front of the main gate. This should not be happening. I really shouldn’t be this curious.

But it just continues to bother me. I’m at a loss on what to do. I and Deputy Kang buy a drink from the vending machine. We then stand still, just in case I am able to hear what’s being said on the other end.

I can’t hear it at all. I can see the visitor waving her arms in anger, but her voice is low. My heart is pounding. It’s my conscience speaking. I shouldn’t be curious because I can’t hear it anyway. Deputy Kang cracks open the can.

“Section Chief Lee is going through a lot right now.”

“I agree. I think the most serious issue is that Department Head Seo had an affair.”

Deputy Kang gently shook the can.

“Did you happen to hear it? The imprint is incomplete.”

“Did he really say that?”

“Yeah… I felt a shiver run up my spine. That’s why Section Chief Lee still takes his inhibitors.”

“What’s the big deal?”

“If it’s a big deal, it’s a big deal. Because it implies that they are not entirely connected.”

“Isn’t getting a divorce easier?”

Deputy Kang smiled. It’s a little melancholy smile. It seemed to be the expression he was making as an Omega. No, I’m not sure. Deputy Kang lowered his gaze to his left hand. His silver ring sparkled.

“People’s hearts don’t often match what their minds think.”

“Yes?”

“I like him, that’s all. Even if it’s messy, I like him enough that I want him to imprint me.”

I traced the lip of the can with my finger. Cold drops of water formed on my hands.

‘Yes! That’s right! I like him! I like him so much that I’m going crazy.’

The words of Section Chief Lee come to mind immediately.

“It’s nice to have an imprint. You don’t have to worry about your partner cheating on you. But I don’t mind the imprint, and those who want it will do it.”

“Alphas and Omegas are both humans. They can just live their lives the way they want.”

Deputy Kang’s words rolled into my heart like the empty can he threw. There was still a loud commotion. Deputy Kang laughed.

“Let’s go eat some rice noodles now.”

***

The unexpected office visitor also happened to go to the rice noodle house. The two bodyguards from then were also occupying a table nearby. When we walk in, the restaurant’s owner informs us that there are no seats available and takes a look around the room.

“You can sit at the same table as them.”

The restaurant owner approached the bodyguards’ table and pushed another table into theirs. The owner motioned with his hand for us to take a seat near them. I can’t help feeling uneasy. Deputy Kang appeared to be wary as well. I grumble and tuck my body into the cramped space.

Among the bodyguards, Secretary Kim nods and greets me. I return his greetings as well. On closer inspection, he appears to be an attractive, well-groomed man.

The four of us ate in silence for the rest of the meal. We can feel the other side watching us. We also have a look over there. No one asked, but Secretary Kim spoke first.

“We’re taking turns…”

“Oh, I see.”

We fell silent once more. The bodyguards who had finished their meals first stood from their seats. I observe them approach the checkout counter. Secretary Kim made eye contact with me and smiled.

“They are probably Betas, right?”

Deputy Kang raised his head in response to my words.

“Betas?”

“The guards wouldn’t be affected by pheromones then.”

“I guess so.”

Deputy Kang picked up the pickled radish and smiled.

“Are you interested?”

“Nope. No, it’s not like that.”

I kept my gaze fixed on the bodyguards. Secretary Kim remained and said something to the cashier. His eyes kept meeting with mine.

“What are you staring at?”

“Never mind. I was just thinking of someone.”

There is one person who needs a bodyguard. It’s Ha Won.

I was going to pay after finishing my meal when the cashier waved his hand. They claimed that someone had already paid. Deputy Kang burst out laughing and poked me in the side. I was perplexed and tinkered with the card.

“He kept looking at Deputy Kim earlier, so I’m guessing he is interested in you.”

Deputy Kang burst out laughing. I squinted.

“In me?”

“In Deputy Kim.”

“I’m not going to date.”

“Still.”

“I don’t want anyone to like me either.”

I raised my head and asked the staff.

“Did he leave the receipt?”

***

When I walk out of the restaurant, I see a bodyguard standing nearby. He’s also rather tall and stands out. He has the appearance of an agent in the movie. He also has sunglasses on. Maybe it’s the smoking trick. To prevent smoke from entering his eyes.

I go up to him. When I look closely, it is Secretary Kim.

“Excuse me.”

“Hello.”

He tossed the cigarette out without hesitation and laughed gently. He removes his sunglasses and places them in his pocket. It was a pointless move.

“I apologize for what happened previously.”

“You paid for our meal.”

“Don’t worry too much about it because it’s an apology.”

Secretary Kim’s eyes were dark.

“We paid with the company card, so you don’t really have to.”

“Company card?”

“Yes. And since you left the receipt, I refunded it and repaid using the company card. Thirteen thousand won here.”

I pushed the money into Secretary Kim’s hand. I put it in Secretary Kim’s chest pocket when he waved his hand to refuse. I then take approximately five steps back in case he returns it.

“What?”

He raised both eyebrows.

“Good work.”

I was ready to say goodbye and turn around when I noticed Deputy Kang’s neck was red. His cheeks were puffy as well. Deputy Kang exhaled heavily as if he were panting.

“Wait! Could you please give me your name?”

Secretary Kim swung my arm around. Deputy Kang laughed.

“Me?”

“I’m interested in you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. That’s right. Could it be fate that we met again like this? Even if it’s old-fashioned, I think so.”

Fate. On the tip of his tongue was the word fate. It’s obvious he is a person looking for fate. Perhaps he should go in search of an Alpha or Omega.

“Are you an Alpha or an Omega?”

“I’m a Beta. What about you? Oh, my name is…”

“Nevermind.”

Secretary Kim turned away. There was a look of disappointment on his face.

“I’m not interested in dating.”

He bowed his head and rushed out the door. Deputy Kang’s laughter could be heard.

Perhaps I should have asked for his business card for Ha Won. Nevermind, there’s no need to be misunderstood.

Deputy Kang grabbed my shoulder and burst out laughing. People’s gazes were drawn to us. I walked faster because I was embarrassed.

“Deputy Kim is no joke.”

“What do you mean?”

“How can you manage to turn him down so coldly?”

“It’s because I’m not interested.”

Deputy Kang wiped his tears away. Did you really laugh so hard that you cried?

“Are you sure you’re not interested? He is so handsome.”

“There are a lot more handsome people out there.”

“You spent too much time looking in the mirror. Such a person is rare. He has a good body, is tall, and has a friendly smile.”

“Yeah, but I think there are others more handsome than him.”

Deputy Kang smirked.

“Is it Director Lee?”

“I don’t think Director Lee is all that handsome.”

Deputy Kang grumbled. I was taken aback. Director Lee was said to be attractive within the company. There are always three new employees who fall in love with Director Lee in the spring. There were admirers even though there was no fan club. That was the case with Director Lee’s appearance. He was extremely slick. To be honest, I think Director Lee is more handsome than the previous man. Director Lee’s square brow is more straight.

“He is handsome.”

“How?”

“No… I mean…”

His gaze. His black eyes are stunning. When he smiles, his eyes narrow and he looks attractive. His black brows were precise, and the smooth side line of his nose gave him a cool appearance. The lines on his lips that drew perfect arcs were also attractive. Even his well-kept teeth are white when he smiles. And…

“His philtrum.”

“What?”

“His philtrum is handsome.”

“How come his philtrum is handsome?”

“Ah, I’m just saying.”

My ears felt abnormally warm for no apparent reason. I’m complimenting Director Lee because I don’t know anyone else to compliment. Director Lee is undeniably handsome. However, there was no need to say anything. Dogs, for example, are well-known to have tails. It’s not well known that Director Lee is handsome, but…

My thoughts were mixed up. There was something Ki-do said before. ‘I think you’re weak to the face.’ I’m curious if the senior next to me thought the same.

‘Take a look at your body. You won’t be able to date for the rest of your life even with that face.’

I was upset at the time. I had a girlfriend once before. We first met at a college promotional photoshoot. Our couple shots were put on the school website and are now somewhere in the library. It’s an embarrassing memory now, but it was fun back then. The girl was a beautiful woman with long black hair and round eyes.

It suddenly dawned on me that I might be weak to the face.

Deputy Kang drew his arms around his chest.

“Is he your type?”

“What?”

“You know, Director Lee.”

I pushed Deputy Kang aside and walked forward. Even though it’s not cold, I fold my arms in front of my chest. Deputy Kang laughed again from behind.

“You didn’t say no!”

“That’s not true!”

“What’s wrong about it?”

I collide with the person in front of me while staring back at Deputy Kang. When I look up, I am surprised to see Director Lee.

“Ouch!”

“How come you’re surprised?”

“What brings you here?”

Director Lee nods and smiles. Department Head Seo is still standing and fighting. This time, he’s with the new employee who had previously fled. They have similar names, it appears that they are related.

“Nepotism…” (Means getting into the company through connection)

“What?”

“Ah, nothing.”

There are far too many possible parachuting suspects. With narrow eyes, I stared up at Director Lee. I was curious about how Director Lee manages the company. Director Lee didn’t even know what I was thinking and smiled softly.

“Are you two returning from a meal?”

“Yes. Are you going to eat right now?”

“I finally gave up trying to stop the fight over there. It’s now time for a lunch meeting. I’m walking because it’s close. Do you want to meet later?”

Director Lee bows his head slightly. I become a little–just a tiny, tiny bit–nervous when I see Director Lee’s face. I’m not excited; rather, I’m nervous. I’m not excited. Deputy Kang was standing right next to me, so he noticed.

“No, I don’t.”

“Even though we’re friends?”

I glanced at Deputy Kang. Director Kang waved his hand and entered the building first.

“We decided to meet on the weekend, but we went with Ha Won in advance yesterday.”

Director Lee smiled awkwardly.

“I’m so sorry…”

“Are you going to a matchmaking?”

Director Lee’s eyes widened.

“Yeah?”

“I heard everything Ha Won-ssi was talking about. I heard you have a weekend meeting. Isn’t that why you moved our appointment?

Director Lee frowned. He worriedly covered his mouth with his palm. It’s a little better when he covers his face. Department Head Seo raised and lowered his arms in an uproar from a distance.

“I refused. Instead, I ended up going to a small party. A friendly party.”

Director Lee said as if making an excuse.

“Can I change the time of the appointment? I’d like you to accompany me to the party.”

“As a friend?”

Director Lee takes a step back.

“Come with me as a friend. When I go alone, I feel bored.”

I take a step back as well.

“I…”

Director Lee wrinkled his eyebrows a little and laughed.

“Is it difficult to accept?”

I’m not sure what kind of friend Director Lee is referring to. What kind of party is it? I have no idea what kind of party this is in the first place. The majority of the party-like events I’ve attended in my life have taken place in cheap bars. A welcome party for new employees, a New Year’s Eve celebration for the customer management team, a birthday party when Ki-do smacked his head against a telephone pole…

I have no idea what Director Lee’s party is. It may be like something out of a Hollywood film. Flashing lights that are somewhat blue red, a pristine white chandelier, a pink drink, naked Omegas, and Director Lee in a black suit. He catches me shooting a piercing glare that appears to condemn the attractive Omegas. I got goosebumps.

“I don’t know anything like a party…”

“It’s nothing special. It’s in a hotel lounge, which is merely a gathering area for senior members. Directors meet to discuss issues. Come to eat delicious food, listen to some music, talk with me, and then leave. I heard they invited an idol band.”

The party lights in my head flashed brightly all at once. A luxurious pleasure party devolved into an overly optimistic academic conference. Who would show up if an idol band came? Kim Joo-young is a big fan of idols. I think it would be a good idea to take a picture and post it on social media to tease her.

“I‘ll go.”

“I’ll go pick you up at six tomorrow. I know where Joo-hyuk-ssi’s house is. I’ll go first.”

Director Lee waved his hand and walked. I waved my hand too. Perhaps we truly did become friends. Friend. The words lingered around in my mouth. Friend.

I have a lot of friends. Just one more friend. A friend with more money than me and can manage my money.

A sigh came out. Director Lee likes me. Nonetheless, he stated that he is not pressuring me into a relationship. He respected me. Director Lee’s genuine goals may not be as he claimed. I believe he still wants to date in some way.

It’s all my fault. I didn’t want to be in a relationship at all, but I kept giving them a chance. I keep thinking of Ha Won or Director Lee with the excuse of being persuaded. I’m way too soft.

I should have politely declined them. To be honest, I’m at a loss. Director Lee is a director, and Ha Won is a General Affairs employee with whom I usually interact. I’m just a body tied to a company. It would be more convenient to leave the company and travel abroad.

However, I am unable to travel abroad. First and foremost, I am not at fault, and I do not have any money.

This is a new problem for me. My eyes are parched. It would have been preferable if Director Lee or Ha Won had been a woman or a Beta. If that was the case, I wouldn’t have been so concerned. Probably.

I may be just scared. Something about Alphas or Omegas.

My steps into the company felt heavy.